EP2515440A2 - Inductive proximity or distance sensor - Google Patents

Inductive proximity or distance sensor Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2515440A2
EP2515440A2 EP12002434A EP12002434A EP2515440A2 EP 2515440 A2 EP2515440 A2 EP 2515440A2 EP 12002434 A EP12002434 A EP 12002434A EP 12002434 A EP12002434 A EP 12002434A EP 2515440 A2 EP2515440 A2 EP 2515440A2
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
core
sensor
coil
axial
legs
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Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP12002434A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2515440B1 (en
EP2515440A3 (en
Inventor
Lothar Trunk
Alan Lowell Houp
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Diehl Aerospace GmbH
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Diehl Aerospace GmbH
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Publication of EP2515440A2 publication Critical patent/EP2515440A2/en
Publication of EP2515440A3 publication Critical patent/EP2515440A3/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2515440B1 publication Critical patent/EP2515440B1/en
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    • HELECTRICITY
    • H03ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY
    • H03KPULSE TECHNIQUE
    • H03K17/00Electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making and –breaking
    • H03K17/94Electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making and –breaking characterised by the way in which the control signals are generated
    • H03K17/945Proximity switches
    • H03K17/95Proximity switches using a magnetic detector
    • H03K17/9505Constructional details
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H03ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY
    • H03KPULSE TECHNIQUE
    • H03K17/00Electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making and –breaking
    • H03K17/94Electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making and –breaking characterised by the way in which the control signals are generated
    • H03K17/945Proximity switches
    • H03K17/95Proximity switches using a magnetic detector
    • H03K17/952Proximity switches using a magnetic detector using inductive coils

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an inductive proximity or distance sensor.
  • sensors are for example from the DE 1 03 28 122 A1 or the DE 102009037808 A1 known.
  • a sensor in particular a proximity or distance sensor, with improved sensitivity, accuracy and reliability, which - among other things - can also be produced comparatively easily and inexpensively.
  • a sensor with an inductive sensor unit which has at least one coil carrier with a coil winding thereon for generating a magnetic field and at least one core.
  • the coil winding extends in the axial direction immediately adjacent to a first axial contact surface of the bobbin.
  • the first axial abutment surface can be formed, for example, by a flange-like projection or by an incision leading to a flange-like projection in the coil former.
  • the coil winding extends in the axial direction of the coil carrier to a further axial contact surface, which means that the coil winding extends between the first and the further axial contact surface.
  • the core will extend beyond the further axial abutment surface.
  • the coil carrier as such may be round, oval, square, rectangular, etc. formed in cross section.
  • plastics such. B. PEEK.
  • the core is arranged at least partially in a recess in the coil carrier concentrically and overlapping with the coil winding.
  • Concentric means in particular that the core is located centrally or centrally in the coil formed by the coil winding.
  • the recess is to the outer dimensions and the adapted external shape of the protruding into the recess portion of the core.
  • the core abuts against a second axial abutment surface which is substantially coplanar with the first axial abutment surface.
  • At least one core section overlapping the coil winding has a rectangular cross-sectional profile.
  • a core section overlapping the coil winding should be understood to mean, in particular, a section of the core which extends in the recess and extends axially away from the plane of the first axial contact surface over the axial extent of the coil winding.
  • the core portion lies inside the coil formed by the coil winding.
  • the shape of the turns or windings of the coil results from the corresponding shape of the coil carrier.
  • This can in particular have a circular, oval, polygonal, quadrangular, rectangular, etc. cross section in the region of the coil winding. Corners or edges of the coil carrier are preferred in the region of the coil winding rounded, so that damage to the coil material, ie the winding wire, can be avoided.
  • the core may be made of a metal, in particular Mu-metal or permalloy.
  • the coil material, in particular the winding wires for the coil may be made of copper or a copper alloy.
  • the cross-sectional profile of at least one core section is a solid profile. That is, the core has at least a core portion made of solid material. For a solid profile results in a particularly advantageous sensitivity of the sensor.
  • the cross-sectional profile of at least one core portion of the core is a closed or an open hollow profile.
  • Cores with open or closed hollow profiles can be relatively simple and with relatively low cost of a sheet-like material such. B. be prepared by sheet metal forming.
  • An open hollow profile can be formed for example by a U-shaped bent material portion of the core.
  • the base may be formed as a planar connecting web and the legs as U-profiles with openings facing each other.
  • Hollow profiles have the advantage that the weight of the entire sensor can be significantly reduced. Rectangular hollow sections make it possible to achieve sufficient sensor inaccuracies and reliabilities.
  • the core is pressed by a force, preferably an elastic force, preferably a spring force, onto the second axial abutment surface.
  • a force preferably an elastic force, preferably a spring force
  • the core is designed as a U-core.
  • each leg is at least partially disposed in a recess of a respective bobbin such that the respective leg is concentric, d. H. centrally or centrally located to the coil winding and with the coil winding overlapping.
  • the base may be formed as a kind of base plate, from which project the legs in the same direction.
  • a pressing of the core to the second axial abutment surfaces means in this case that the legs, more precisely facing away from the base end faces of the legs are pressed on or on the second axial abutment surface.
  • the base itself can be subjected to a force, in particular an elastic force, in particular a spring force.
  • the core in particular the U-core, is held by means of a holding element which can be detachably connected to the at least one coil carrier, in particular latchable.
  • the holding element may be located, for example, on a side facing away from the first and second axial abutment surfaces side of the bobbin. Accordingly, fastening means for the holding element, such as snap elements and the like may be provided, which in particular allow a particularly simple assembly.
  • a force pressing or pressing the core or the legs into respective recesses or onto the respective second axial abutment surfaces by the retaining element and / or by an elastic force acting on the retaining element, in particular a spring force, in particular a the holding element against the at least one bobbin pressing force is generated.
  • a resilient or elastic pressing of the core to the respective second axial abutment surfaces the core and the coil carrier can be sufficiently firmly connected to each other on the one hand.
  • the connection between the core and coil carrier is sufficiently elastic, so that caused by different thermal expansion coefficients stresses and strains in a wide temperature range can be avoided.
  • a spring force which presses the core or the legs in the direction of the respective second axial abutment surface can be generated, for example, by a spring encompassed by the sensor, which acts directly on the holding element, and indirectly with a spring force, on the core downstream of the holding element.
  • the senor further comprises a housing, in which the at least one coil carrier and core are accommodated.
  • the housing is designed such that the spring with which the retaining element can be acted upon by spring force, on the one hand and on the housing on the other hand is supported.
  • the at least one coil carrier has an axial end face facing away from the recess, which is pressed against a housing inner wall of the housing, preferably by the spring.
  • the core in Direction coil carrier and thus the coil carrier are pressed in the direction and on the inner wall of the housing.
  • This is of particular advantage with regard to different changes in length of housing, coil carrier and core in the event of temperature changes.
  • the housing inner wall and the axial end face as well as the end face of the legs and the second axial contact face always abut each other without play and gaps.
  • the proposed sensor which can be used as a distance or proximity sensor, can be produced comparatively easily and inexpensively. Furthermore, the sensor can be automated, especially in mass production. Moreover, the proposed sensor has advantageous accuracy and reliability.
  • Fig. 1 shows an exploded view of a proximity or distance sensor 1, which is referred to below as the proximity sensor 1.
  • the proximity sensor 1 comprises a housing with a housing cover 2 and a housing bottom 4 which can be inserted into a bottom-side opening 3 of the housing cover 2.
  • an inductive sensor unit 5 and the sensor unit 5 are acted upon by a spring force spring 6 is added.
  • the sensor unit 5 comprises two coil carriers 7, each having a coil winding 8. Furthermore, the sensor unit 5 comprises a U-shaped core 9, that is to say a U-core 9, and a holding element 10. By means of the holding element 10, the U-core 9 is attached to the coil carriers 7 held.
  • the sensor unit 5 furthermore comprises a calibration screw 10 which can be screwed into the retaining element 5.
  • Fig. 2 and 3 show sectional views of the proximity sensor 1. As out Fig. 2 and 3 it can be seen, the spring 6 is arc-shaped and is supported at its ends on Gesimoüsvorsprüngen 12 opposite inner sides of the housing cover 2 from.
  • the spring 6 acts directly on the retaining element 10, indirectly, the sensor unit 5 with a spring force such that the sensor unit 5, more precisely, the bobbin 7 are pressed into the housing cover 2 inside. More precisely, upper end faces 13 of the coil carriers 7 are pressed against the housing cover 2 on the inside, which is also the case in particular Fig. 3 as well as and Fig. 4 , which shows the proximity sensor 1 in the mounted state, can be seen.
  • the coil winding 8 extends in the axial direction 14 immediately adjacent to a frontal axial flange 15.
  • the bobbin 7 then has on the axial flange 15 in the axial direction on a circumferential recess in which the coil winding 8 is received.
  • the coil winding 8 is located directly on the axial flange 15, which thus forms a first axial contact surface 16 for the coil winding 8.
  • the U-core 9, more precisely two legs 18 projecting from a base 17 of the U-core 9 are inserted into respective recesses 22 of the coil carrier 7.
  • the legs 18 are approximately concentric in the recesses 22 and overlap in the circumferential recess with the respective coil winding 8.
  • the legs 18 fill the recesses 22 substantially fully.
  • the legs 18, more precisely in the direction of the upper end face 13 of the bobbin 7 facing leg end faces 19 of the legs 18, are in the recesses 22 at second axial abutment surfaces,
  • the second axial abutment surfaces are formed by the bottoms of the recesses 22 and lie substantially in one plane with the first axial abutment surface 16.
  • the recesses 22 extend to the plane, in which the first axial abutment surface 16 is located.
  • Fig. 5 shows a first embodiment of the U-core 9. It can be seen that the legs 18 are located at opposite ends of the base 17 and projecting in the same direction from the base 17. In the present example, the legs 18 over their entire length a rectangular cross-sectional profile, ie a rectangular axial section.
  • the axial section is in the present example on closer inspection in the form of a square with rounded corners, which should be understood in the context of the invention in particular as "rectangular".
  • the U-core 9, in particular the legs 18, is / are in the example of Fig. 5 made of solid material, ie that the axial profile or cross-sectional profile is a solid profile. Cores of this type can be made in particular of solid material.
  • Fig. 6 shows a second embodiment of the U-core 9.
  • the axial profile of the legs 18 of Fig. 6 an open hollow profile.
  • the hollow profile is actually a U-profile.
  • the U-profile is formed by a secondary base 20 and two Secondary leg 21, the rest in the lower region, ie in the region of the foot points of the legs 21 laterally against the base 17.
  • the openings of the U-profiles of the two legs 18 are presently facing each other.
  • Such a U-core 9 with an open hollow profile can be produced for example by material deformation of a sheet-like, planar preform.
  • the preform itself can be made, for example, by stamping, cutting, in particular laser cutting and other methods.
  • FIGS. 7 to 10 Especially with regard to FIGS. 7 to 10 will be discussed in more detail below on the assembly and construction of the proximity sensor 1 and the sensor unit 5.
  • the coil carriers 7 have, as already mentioned, corresponding to the shape of the legs 18, axially approximately centrally located rectangular recesses 22, in which the legs 18 of the U-core 9 introduced be or are. Furthermore, the coil carriers 7 each have a transverse to the axial direction 14 incision 23, which, as will be explained in more detail below, in connection with the fixation of the U-core 9 to the bobbins 7 of relevance.
  • the axial depth of the recesses 22 and the length of the legs 18 and the length of over the base 17 protruding portions of the legs 18 are adapted to each other such that the leg end faces 19 at the second axial abutment surfaces which coplanar with the first axial Contact surfaces 16 are, rest.
  • Fig. 8 shows the bobbin 7 with inserted U-core 9. As in Fig. 8 can be seen, the cuts 23 in the axial direction 14 to a depth which is greater than the thickness of the base 17. The base 17 so does not fill the height of the incision 23 completely, so that above the base 17 space for the support member 10 remains.
  • Fig. 9 shows the bobbin 7 with inserted U-core 9 and holding element 10.
  • the holding member 10 is inserted into the cuts 23.
  • the bobbin 7 and the holding member 10 are detachably connected to each other; latched together in the present case by means of locking elements.
  • the holding element 10, the notches 23 and the latching elements are designed and arranged such that when the holding element 10 is latched, the U-core 9 and the coil carriers 7 are pressed or pressed against each other. In this way, the leg end faces 19 are pressed or pressed onto the second axial abutment surface.
  • the latching between coil carrier 7 and holding element 10 is in Fig. 10 which the in Fig. 9 Enlarged section shows enlarged, shown in detail.
  • the bobbin 7 have first latching lugs 24 and the holding element 10 has corresponding second latching lugs 25, which engage with one another when the holding element 10 is inserted.
  • the flush carrier 7, in particular the cuts 23, the retaining element 10 and the first 24 and second locking lugs 25 are formed and arranged such that the U-core 9 is without play between coil carriers 7 and retaining element 10, and that the leg end faces 19 always at least rest on the second axial abutment surface, preferably be pressed onto the second axial abutment surfaces.
  • the relative position of the edges of the coil windings 8 and U cores 9 facing the first 16 and second axial contact surfaces remains constant, in particular with changes in the length of the components of the proximity sensor 1 or the sensor unit 5 due to variations in temperature variation. The accuracy and reliability of the proximity sensor 1 can thereby be decisive be improved.
  • the bobbin and the holding element 10 are preferably made of a plastic material, for. B. PEEK produced.
  • an elastic force can be generated by the snap connection between the coil carriers 7 and holding element 10, which presses the U-core 9 in the direction of the second axial bearing surface.
  • Elastic forces are for the already mentioned changes in length of the components of the proximity sensor 1 with temperature fluctuations of advantage, because it can always be achieved despite different thermal expansion coefficients of bobbins 7 and U-cores 9, that the U-core 9 is pressed in the direction of the second axial bearing surface becomes.
  • the sensor unit 5 by means of the spring 6, that is pressed by means of an elastic force in the direction of the Gescouseinnenwandung.
  • This force acts in addition to and supportive of the force acting through the retaining element 10 between the U-core 9 and coil support 7 to the effect that the Leg end faces 19 are pressed against the second axial abutment surface.
  • the sensor unit 5 is sufficiently fixed in the housing by this force. In particular, it can be ensured even with temperature-induced changes in length of the sensor unit 5 and housing that the sensor unit 5 always rest against the housing inner wall and the leg end faces 19 on the second axial bearing surface in the axial direction 14 gap and clearance.
  • the proximity sensor 1 in particular, the sensor in general, in particular by construction and geometry of the sensor and its individual components, the object underlying the invention is achieved.

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Abstract

The sensor e.g. inductive proximity or distance sensor (1), has an inductive sensing unit (5) including a coil support (7) with a coil winding (8) for generating a magnetic field and a U-shaped core (9). The winding is directly extended in axial direction adjacent to an axial contact surface of the support. The core is partially arranged in a recess in the support, and lies on another axial contact surface perpendicular to the former axial contact surface. A core section of the core comprises a rectangular cross sectional profile i.e. opened hollow profile, and is overlapped with the winding.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft insbesondere einen induktiven Näherungs- oder Abstandssensor. Solche Sensoren sind beispielsweise aus der DE 1 03 28 122 A1 oder der DE 102009037808 A1 bekannt.In particular, the invention relates to an inductive proximity or distance sensor. Such sensors are for example from the DE 1 03 28 122 A1 or the DE 102009037808 A1 known.

Bei der Verwendung solcher Näherungs- bzw. Abstandssensoren in Sicherheitskritischen Bereichen wird eine hohe Genauigkeit insbesondere bei sich verändernden Gesamtumständen, wie beispielsweise Temperaturschwankungen und dgl. gefordert.When using such proximity or distance sensors in safety-critical areas, a high accuracy is required especially with changing overall circumstances, such as temperature fluctuations and the like.

Zwar weisen die bekannten Konstruktionen und Aufbauten durchaus zufriedenstellende Genauigkeiten auf. Ungeachtet dessen gibt es dennoch Raum und für zusätzliche Verbesserungen zur Steigerung der Genauigkeit und Zuverlässigkeit.Although the known constructions and structures on quite satisfactory accuracies. Regardless, there is still room for additional enhancements to increase accuracy and reliability.

Ausgehend davon ist es eine Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung die nach dem Stand der Technik bekannten Systeme zu verbessern. Es soll insbesondere ein Sensor, insbesondere ein Näherungs- bzw. Abstandssensor, mit verbesserter Empfindlichkeit, Genauigkeit und Zuverlässigkeit angegeben werden, welcher - unter anderem - auch vergleichsweise einfach und kostengünstig hergestellt werden kann.On the basis of this, it is an object of the present invention to improve the systems known from the prior art. In particular, a sensor, in particular a proximity or distance sensor, with improved sensitivity, accuracy and reliability, which - among other things - can also be produced comparatively easily and inexpensively.

Diese Aufgabe wird gelöst durch die Merkmale des unabhängigen Anspruchs. Ausgestaltungen ergeben sich aus den abhängigen Ansprüchen.This object is solved by the features of the independent claim. Embodiments emerge from the dependent claims.

Gemäß dem unabhängigen Patentanspruch 1 wird ein Sensor mit einer induktiven Sensoreinheit vorgeschlagen, welche zumindest einen Spulenträger mit einer darauf befindlichen Spulenwicklung zur Erzeugung eines Magnetfelds und zumindest einen Kern aufweist.According to the independent claim 1, a sensor with an inductive sensor unit is proposed, which has at least one coil carrier with a coil winding thereon for generating a magnetic field and at least one core.

Dabei erstreckt sich die Spulenwicklung in axialer Richtung unmittelbar angrenzend an eine erste axiale Anlagefläche des Spulenträgers. Die erste axiale Anlagefläche kann beispielsweise durch einen flanschartigen Vorsprung oder durch einen, zu einem flanschartigen Vorsprung führenden Einschnitt im Spulenkörper gebildet sein.In this case, the coil winding extends in the axial direction immediately adjacent to a first axial contact surface of the bobbin. The first axial abutment surface can be formed, for example, by a flange-like projection or by an incision leading to a flange-like projection in the coil former.

Vorteilhafter Weise erstreckt sich die Spulenwicklung in Axialrichtung des Spulenträgers bis zu einer weiteren axialen Anlagefläche, was bedeutet, dass sich die Spulenwicklung zwischen der ersten und der weiteren axialen Anlagenfläche erstreckt. Konstruktionsbedingt kann, und wird sich, der Kern üblicherweise über die weitere axiale Anlagefläche hinweg erstrecken.Advantageously, the coil winding extends in the axial direction of the coil carrier to a further axial contact surface, which means that the coil winding extends between the first and the further axial contact surface. By design, and usually, the core will extend beyond the further axial abutment surface.

Der Spulenträger als solcher kann im Querschnitt rund, oval, viereckig, rechteckig, usw. ausgebildet sein. Als Material für den Spulenkörper eignen sich insbesondere Kunststoffe, wie z. B. PEEK.The coil carrier as such may be round, oval, square, rectangular, etc. formed in cross section. As a material for the bobbin, in particular plastics, such. B. PEEK.

Der Kern ist zumindest teilweise in einer Ausnehmung im Spulenträger konzentrisch und überlappend mit der Spulenwicklung angeordnet. Konzentrisch soll insbesondere bedeuten, dass der Kern zentral bzw. mittig in der durch die Spulenwicklung ausgebildeten Spule liegt. Vorzugsweise ist die Ausnehmung an die äußeren Abmessungen und die äußere Form des in die Ausnehmung ragenden Abschnitt des Kerns angepasst.The core is arranged at least partially in a recess in the coil carrier concentrically and overlapping with the coil winding. Concentric means in particular that the core is located centrally or centrally in the coil formed by the coil winding. Preferably, the recess is to the outer dimensions and the adapted external shape of the protruding into the recess portion of the core.

Der Kern liegt an einer zur ersten axialen Anlagefläche im Wesentlichen koplanaren zweiten axialen Anlagefläche an. Dadurch, dass die erste und zweite axiale Anlagefläche koplanar gelegen sind, kann vermieden werden, dass durch Temperaturschwankungen die relative Lage der an entsprechenden axialen Anlageflächen anliegenden Enden von Spulenwicklung und Kern verändert wird. Auf diese Weise kann ein gegenüber Temperaturschwankungen vergleichsweise unempfindlicher Sensor erhalten werden.The core abuts against a second axial abutment surface which is substantially coplanar with the first axial abutment surface. The fact that the first and second axial abutment surface are located coplanar, it can be avoided that the relative position of the voltage applied to corresponding axial abutment surfaces ends of coil winding and core is changed by temperature fluctuations. In this way, a relative to temperature fluctuations comparatively insensitive sensor can be obtained.

Bei dem vorgeschlagenen Sensor weist zumindest ein mit der Spulenwicklung überlappender Kernabschnitt ein rechteckförmiges Querschnittsprofil auf. Überraschenderweise wurde gefunden, dass mit einem solchen Querschnittsprofil eine besonders hohe Genauigkeit und Zuverlässigkeit erreicht werden kann.In the proposed sensor, at least one core section overlapping the coil winding has a rectangular cross-sectional profile. Surprisingly, it has been found that a particularly high accuracy and reliability can be achieved with such a cross-sectional profile.

Unter der Formulierung "ein mit der Spulenwicklung überlappender Kernabschnitt" soll insbesondere ein Abschnitt des Kerns verstanden werden, welcher sich in der Ausnehmung befindlich, von der Ebene der ersten axialen Anlagefläche weg axial über die axiale Erstreckung der Spulenwicklung hinweg erstreckt. Anders ausgedrückt liegt der Kernabschnitt im Inneren der durch die Spulenwicklung ausgebildeten Spule.The phrase "a core section overlapping the coil winding" should be understood to mean, in particular, a section of the core which extends in the recess and extends axially away from the plane of the first axial contact surface over the axial extent of the coil winding. In other words, the core portion lies inside the coil formed by the coil winding.

Die Form der Windungen bzw. Wicklungen der Spule ergibt sich aus der entsprechenden Form des Spulenträgers. Dieser kann im Bereich der Spulenwicklung insbesondere einen kreisförmigen, ovalen, polygonen, viereckigen, rechteckigen usw. Querschnitt aufweisen. Bevorzugt sind Ecken oder Kanten des Spulenträgers im Bereich der Spulenwicklung abgerundet, so dass Beschädigungen des Spulenmaterials, d. h. des Wickeldrahts, vermieden werden können.The shape of the turns or windings of the coil results from the corresponding shape of the coil carrier. This can in particular have a circular, oval, polygonal, quadrangular, rectangular, etc. cross section in the region of the coil winding. Corners or edges of the coil carrier are preferred in the region of the coil winding rounded, so that damage to the coil material, ie the winding wire, can be avoided.

Der Kern kann aus einem Metall, insbesondere aus Mu-Metall bzw. Permalloy, hergestellt sein. Das Spulenmaterial, insbesondere die Wickeldrähte für die Spule, können aus Kupfer oder einer Kupferlegierung hergestellt sein.The core may be made of a metal, in particular Mu-metal or permalloy. The coil material, in particular the winding wires for the coil, may be made of copper or a copper alloy.

Nach einer Variante ist das Querschnittsprofil zumindest eines Kernabschnitts ein Vollprofil. D. h., dass der Kern zumindest einen Kernabschnitt aufweist, welcher aus Vollmaterial hergestellt ist. Für ein Vollprofil ergibt sich eine besonders vorteilhafte Empfindlichkeit des Sensors.According to a variant, the cross-sectional profile of at least one core section is a solid profile. That is, the core has at least a core portion made of solid material. For a solid profile results in a particularly advantageous sensitivity of the sensor.

Nach einer anderen Variante ist das Querschnittsprofil zumindest eines Kernabschnitts des Kerns ein geschlossenes oder ein offenes Hohlprofil. Kerne mit offenen bzw. geschlossenen Hohlprofilen können vergleichsweise einfach und mit vergleichsweise geringen Kosten aus einem blechartigen Vormaterial z. B. durch Blechumformung hergestellt werden.According to another variant, the cross-sectional profile of at least one core portion of the core is a closed or an open hollow profile. Cores with open or closed hollow profiles can be relatively simple and with relatively low cost of a sheet-like material such. B. be prepared by sheet metal forming.

Ein offenes Hohlprofil kann beispielsweise durch einen U-förmig gebogenen Materialabschnitt des Kerns ausgebildet sein. Bei einem insgesamt U-förmigen Kern mit zwei Schenkeln und einer zwischen den Schenkeln verlaufenden Basis, können die Basis als ebener Verbindungssteg und die Schenkel als U-Profile mit einander zugewandten Öffnungen ausgebildet sein. Hohlprofile haben den Vorteil, dass das Gewicht des gesamten Sensors deutlich reduziert werden kann. Rechteckige Hohlprofile ermöglichen durchaus ausreichende Sensorgenauigkeiten und Zuverlässigkeiten.An open hollow profile can be formed for example by a U-shaped bent material portion of the core. In an overall U-shaped core with two legs and a running between the legs base, the base may be formed as a planar connecting web and the legs as U-profiles with openings facing each other. Hollow profiles have the advantage that the weight of the entire sensor can be significantly reduced. Rectangular hollow sections make it possible to achieve sufficient sensor inaccuracies and reliabilities.

Nach einer besonders bevorzugten Variante wird der Kern durch eine Kraft, vorzugsweise eine elastische Kraft, bevorzugt eine Federkraft, auf die zweite axiale Anlagefläche gedrückt. Auf diese weise können Spannungen und Verspannungen, die bei anderen Befestigungsarten bei Temperaturschwankungen ansonsten durch unterschiedliche Ausdehnungskoeffizienten von Kern und Spulenträger verursacht würden, vermieden werden.According to a particularly preferred variant, the core is pressed by a force, preferably an elastic force, preferably a spring force, onto the second axial abutment surface. In this way, stresses and strains that would otherwise be caused by different expansion coefficients of core and coil carrier in other types of fastening in temperature fluctuations can be avoided.

Nach einer weiteren Variante ist der Kern als U-Kern ausgebildet. Im Falle eines U-Kerns mit zwei Schenkeln und einer die Schenkel verbindenden Basis ist jeder Schenkel zumindest teilweise in einer Ausnehmung eines jeweiligen Spulenträgers angeordnet, derart, dass der jeweilige Schenkel konzentrisch, d. h. mittig bzw. zentral, zur Spulenwicklung und mit der Spulenwicklung überlappend gelegen ist.According to another variant, the core is designed as a U-core. In the case of a U-core with two legs and a base connecting the legs, each leg is at least partially disposed in a recess of a respective bobbin such that the respective leg is concentric, d. H. centrally or centrally located to the coil winding and with the coil winding overlapping.

Im Falle eines U-Kerns kann die Basis als eine Art Grundplatte ausgebildet sein, von welcher die Schenkel in gleicher Richtung vorspringen. Ein Anpressen des Kerns an die zweiten axialen Anlageflächen bedeutet in diesem Fall, dass die Schenkel, genauer von der Basis abgewandt gelegene Stirnseiten der Schenkel, an bzw. auf die zweite axiale Anlagefläche gedrückt werden. Dazu kann die Basis selbst mit einer Kraft, insbesondere einer elastischen Kraft, insbesondere einer Federkraft, beaufschlagt werden.In the case of a U-core, the base may be formed as a kind of base plate, from which project the legs in the same direction. A pressing of the core to the second axial abutment surfaces means in this case that the legs, more precisely facing away from the base end faces of the legs are pressed on or on the second axial abutment surface. For this purpose, the base itself can be subjected to a force, in particular an elastic force, in particular a spring force.

Nach einer weiteren Variante wird der Kern, insbesondere der U-Kern, mittels eines mit dem zumindest einen Spulenträger lösbar verbindbaren, insbesondere verrastbaren, Halteelements gehaltert. Das Halteelement kann beispielsweise an einer den ersten und zweiten axialen Anlageflächen abgewandt gelegenen Seite des Spulenträgers gelegen sein. Entsprechend können Befestigungsmittel für das Halteelement, beispielsweise Schnappelemente und dergleichen, vorgesehen sein, die insbesondere eine besonders einfache Montage ermöglichen.According to a further variant, the core, in particular the U-core, is held by means of a holding element which can be detachably connected to the at least one coil carrier, in particular latchable. The holding element may be located, for example, on a side facing away from the first and second axial abutment surfaces side of the bobbin. Accordingly, fastening means for the holding element, such as snap elements and the like may be provided, which in particular allow a particularly simple assembly.

Insbesondere ist es möglich, dass eine den Kern bzw. die Schenkel in jeweilige Ausnehmungen, bzw. auf die jeweiligen zweiten axialen Anlageflächen drückende bzw. pressende Kraft durch das Halteelement und/oder durch eine das Halteelement beaufschlagende elastische Kraft, insbesondere eine Federkraft, insbesondere eine das Halteelement gegen den zumindest einen Spulenträger drückende Kraft, erzeugt wird. Durch ein federndes bzw. elastisches Anpressen des Kerns an die jeweiligen zweiten axialen Anlageflächen können der Kern und der Spulenträger einerseits ausreichend fest miteinander verbunden werden. Andererseits ist die Verbindung zwischen Kern und Spulenträger ausreichend elastisch, so dass durch unterschiedliche thermische Ausdehnungskoeffizienten hervorgerufene Spannungen und Verspannungen in einem weiten Temperaturbereich vermieden werden können.In particular, it is possible for a force pressing or pressing the core or the legs into respective recesses or onto the respective second axial abutment surfaces by the retaining element and / or by an elastic force acting on the retaining element, in particular a spring force, in particular a the holding element against the at least one bobbin pressing force is generated. By a resilient or elastic pressing of the core to the respective second axial abutment surfaces, the core and the coil carrier can be sufficiently firmly connected to each other on the one hand. On the other hand, the connection between the core and coil carrier is sufficiently elastic, so that caused by different thermal expansion coefficients stresses and strains in a wide temperature range can be avoided.

Eine Federkraft, welche den Kern bzw. die Schenkel in Richtung der jeweiligen zweiten axialen Anlagefläche presst kann beispielsweise durch eine vom Sensor umfasste Feder erzeugt werden, welche das Halteelement unmittelbar, und damit den dem Halteelement nachgeschalteten Kern mittelbar, mit einer Federkraft beaufschlagt.A spring force which presses the core or the legs in the direction of the respective second axial abutment surface can be generated, for example, by a spring encompassed by the sensor, which acts directly on the holding element, and indirectly with a spring force, on the core downstream of the holding element.

Nach einer weiteren Variante weist der Sensor des Weiteren ein Gehäuse auf, in welchem der zumindest eine Spulenträger und Kern aufgenommen sind. Vorzugsweise ist das Gehäuse derart ausgebildet, dass die Feder, mit welcher das Halteelement mit Federkraft beaufschlagt werden kann, am Halteelement einerseits und am Gehäuse andererseits abgestützt ist.According to a further variant, the sensor further comprises a housing, in which the at least one coil carrier and core are accommodated. Preferably, the housing is designed such that the spring with which the retaining element can be acted upon by spring force, on the one hand and on the housing on the other hand is supported.

Nach einer noch weiteren Variante weist der zumindest eine Spulenträger eine, der Ausnehmung abgewandt gelegene axiale Stirnfläche auf, welche, vorzugsweise durch die Feder, gegen eine Gehäuseinnenwandung des Gehäuses gedrückt wird. Dadurch können in einfacher Weise, und insbesondere durch eine einzige Feder, der Kern in Richtung Spulenträger und damit der Spulenträger in Richtung und auf die Gehäuseinnenwandung gepresst werden. Das ist von besonderem Vorteil im Hinblick auf unterschiedliche Längenänderungen von Gehäuse, Spulenträger und Kern bei Temperaturänderungen. Ferner kann erreicht werden, dass Gehäuseinnenwandung und axiale Stirnfläche sowie Stirnfläche der Schenkel und zweite axiale Anlagefläche stets spiel- und spaltfrei aneinander anliegen.According to yet another variant, the at least one coil carrier has an axial end face facing away from the recess, which is pressed against a housing inner wall of the housing, preferably by the spring. This allows in a simple manner, and in particular by a single spring, the core in Direction coil carrier and thus the coil carrier are pressed in the direction and on the inner wall of the housing. This is of particular advantage with regard to different changes in length of housing, coil carrier and core in the event of temperature changes. Furthermore, it can be achieved that the housing inner wall and the axial end face as well as the end face of the legs and the second axial contact face always abut each other without play and gaps.

Insgesamt zeigt sich, dass der vorgeschlagene Sensor, welcher als Abstands- oder Näherungssensor verwendet werden kann, vergleichsweise einfach und kostengünstig hergestellt werden kann. Ferner kann der Sensor automatisiert, insbesondere in Massenfertigung, hergestellt werden. Darüber hinaus weist der vorgeschlagene Sensor eine vorteilhafte Genauigkeit und Zuverlässigkeit auf.Overall, it turns out that the proposed sensor, which can be used as a distance or proximity sensor, can be produced comparatively easily and inexpensively. Furthermore, the sensor can be automated, especially in mass production. Moreover, the proposed sensor has advantageous accuracy and reliability.

Nachfolgend werden Ausführungsbeispiele der Erfindung anhand der anliegenden Zeichnungen näher beschrieben. Es zeigen:

Fig. 1
eine Explosionsdarstellung eines Sensors;
Fig. 2
eine erste Schnittansicht des Sensors;
Fig. 3
eine zweite Schnittansicht des Sensors;
Fig. 4
den Sensor im montierten Zustand;
Fig. 5
eine erste Ausführungsform des Kerns; und
Fig. 6
eine zweite Ausführungsform des Kerns
Fig. 7
zwei Spulenträger des Näherungssensors;
Fig. 8
die Spulenträger mit Kern;
Fig. 9
die Spulenträger mit Kern und Halteelement; und
Fig. 10
ein Detail des Spulenträgers und Halteelements;
Embodiments of the invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:
Fig. 1
an exploded view of a sensor;
Fig. 2
a first sectional view of the sensor;
Fig. 3
a second sectional view of the sensor;
Fig. 4
the sensor in mounted condition;
Fig. 5
a first embodiment of the core; and
Fig. 6
a second embodiment of the core
Fig. 7
two coil carriers of the proximity sensor;
Fig. 8
the coil carriers with core;
Fig. 9
the bobbin with core and holding element; and
Fig. 10
a detail of the bobbin and holding element;

In den Figuren werden gleiche oder funktionsgleiche Elemente durchwegs mit den gleichen Bezugszeichen bezeichnet. Die Figuren sind nicht zwingend maßstabsgetreu, und Maßstäbe zwischen einzelnen Figuren können variieren. Ferner wird ein in den Figuren gezeigter Sensor als Näherungs- oder Abstandssensor zumindest nur insoweit beschrieben, als zum Verständnis der Erfindung erforderlich ist. Im Allgemeinen kann der Näherungs- bzw. Abstandssensor weitere, im Folgenden nicht weiter beschriebene oder erwähnte Elemente aufweisen.In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are denoted by the same reference numerals throughout. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and scales between individual figures may vary. Furthermore, a sensor shown in the figures as a proximity or distance sensor is at least described only insofar as is necessary for understanding the invention. In general, the proximity or distance sensor can have further, not further described or mentioned below elements.

Fig. 1 zeigt eine Explosionsdarstellung eines Näherungs- oder Abstandssensors 1, welcher im Folgenden als Näherungssensor 1 bezeichnet wird. Der Näherungssensor 1 umfasst ein Gehäuse mit einem Gehäusedeckel 2 und einen in eine bodenseitige Öffnung 3 des Gehäusedeckels 2 einsetzbaren Gehäuseboden 4. Fig. 1 shows an exploded view of a proximity or distance sensor 1, which is referred to below as the proximity sensor 1. The proximity sensor 1 comprises a housing with a housing cover 2 and a housing bottom 4 which can be inserted into a bottom-side opening 3 of the housing cover 2.

In dem Gehäuse sind eine induktive Sensoreinheit 5 und eine die Sensoreinheit 5 mit einer Federkraft beaufschlagende Feder 6 aufgenommen.In the housing, an inductive sensor unit 5 and the sensor unit 5 are acted upon by a spring force spring 6 is added.

Die Sensoreinheit 5 umfasst zwei Spulenträger 7 mit je einer Spulenwicklung 8. Ferner umfasst die Sensoreinheit 5 einen U-förmigen Kern 9 , sprich einen U-Kern 9, und ein Halteelement 10. Mittels des Halteelements 10 wird der U-Kern 9 an den Spulenträgern 7 gehaltert. Die Sensoreinheit 5 umfasst ferner noch eine in das Halteelement 5 einschraubbare Kalibrierschraube 10. Fig. 2 und 3 zeigen Schnittansichten des Näherungssensors 1. Wie aus Fig. 2 und 3 ersichtlich ist, ist die Feder 6 bogenartig ausgebildet und stützt sich an ihren Enden an Gehäüsevorsprüngen 12 gegenüberliegender Innenseiten des Gehäusedeckels 2 ab.The sensor unit 5 comprises two coil carriers 7, each having a coil winding 8. Furthermore, the sensor unit 5 comprises a U-shaped core 9, that is to say a U-core 9, and a holding element 10. By means of the holding element 10, the U-core 9 is attached to the coil carriers 7 held. The sensor unit 5 furthermore comprises a calibration screw 10 which can be screwed into the retaining element 5. Fig. 2 and 3 show sectional views of the proximity sensor 1. As out Fig. 2 and 3 it can be seen, the spring 6 is arc-shaped and is supported at its ends on Gehäüsvorsprüngen 12 opposite inner sides of the housing cover 2 from.

Die Feder 6 beaufschlagt unmittelbar das Halteelement 10, mittelbar die Sensoreinheit 5 mit einer Federkraft derart, dass die Sensoreinheit 5, genauer die Spulenträger 7 in den Gehäusedeckel 2 hinein gedrückt werden. Genauer werden obere Stirnflächen 13 der Spulenträger 7 innenseitig gegen den Gehäusedeckel 2 gedrückt, was insbesondere auch aus Fig. 3 sowie aus und Fig. 4, welche den Näherungssensor 1 im montierten Zustand zeigt, ersichtlich ist.The spring 6 acts directly on the retaining element 10, indirectly, the sensor unit 5 with a spring force such that the sensor unit 5, more precisely, the bobbin 7 are pressed into the housing cover 2 inside. More precisely, upper end faces 13 of the coil carriers 7 are pressed against the housing cover 2 on the inside, which is also the case in particular Fig. 3 as well as and Fig. 4 , which shows the proximity sensor 1 in the mounted state, can be seen.

Insbesondere aus Fig. 2 bis 4 ist auch ersichtlich, dass sich die Spulenwicklung 8 unmittelbar angrenzend an einen stirnseitig gelegenen Axialflansch 15 in axialer Richtung 14 erstreckt. Der Spulenträger 7 weist anschließend an den Axialflansch 15 in axialer Richtung eine umlaufende Vertiefung auf, in welcher die Spulenwicklung 8 aufgenommen ist. Die Spulenwicklung 8 liegt unmittelbar am Axialflansch 15 an, welcher für die Spulenwicklung 8 damit eine erste axiale Anlagefläche 16 ausbildet.In particular from Fig. 2 to 4 It can also be seen that the coil winding 8 extends in the axial direction 14 immediately adjacent to a frontal axial flange 15. The bobbin 7 then has on the axial flange 15 in the axial direction on a circumferential recess in which the coil winding 8 is received. The coil winding 8 is located directly on the axial flange 15, which thus forms a first axial contact surface 16 for the coil winding 8.

Der U-Kern 9, genauer zwei von einer Basis 17 des U-Kerns 9 vorspringende Schenkel 18 sind in jeweilige Ausnehmungen 22 der Spulenträger 7 eingeführt. Die Schenkel 18 liegen etwa konzentrisch in den Ausnehmungen 22 und überlappen im Bereich umlaufenden Vertiefung mit der jeweiligen Spulenwicklung 8. Vorzugsweise füllen die Schenkel 18 die Ausnehmungen 22 im Wesentlichen voll aus.The U-core 9, more precisely two legs 18 projecting from a base 17 of the U-core 9 are inserted into respective recesses 22 of the coil carrier 7. The legs 18 are approximately concentric in the recesses 22 and overlap in the circumferential recess with the respective coil winding 8. Preferably, the legs 18 fill the recesses 22 substantially fully.

Die Schenkel 18, genauer In Richtung der oberen Stirnfläche 13 des Spulenträgers 7 weisende Schenkel-Stirnflächen 19 der Schenkel 18, liegen in den Ausnehmungen 22 an zweiten axialen Anlagenflächen an, welche jeweils zu den ersten axialen Anlageflächen 16 im Wesentlichen koplanar sind, Die zweiten axialen Anlageflächen werden durch die Böden der Ausnehmungen 22 gebildet und liegen im Wesentlichen in einer Ebene mit der ersten axialen Anlagefläche 16. Anders ausgedrückt reichen die Ausnehmungen 22 bis zu der Ebene, in welcher die erste axiale Anlagefläche 16 liegt. Das führt dazu, dass die relative Lage der oberen, d. h. die der ersten 16 und zweiten axialen Anlagefläche zugewandten, Kanten der Schenkel 18 und Spulenwincklungen 8 stets auf gleichem Niveau liegen. Dadurch kann im Wesentlichen unabhängig von temperaturbedingten Längenänderungen des Spulenträgers 7 und der Schenkel 18 usw. eine besonders genaue und exakte Betriebsweise erzielt werden.The legs 18, more precisely in the direction of the upper end face 13 of the bobbin 7 facing leg end faces 19 of the legs 18, are in the recesses 22 at second axial abutment surfaces, The second axial abutment surfaces are formed by the bottoms of the recesses 22 and lie substantially in one plane with the first axial abutment surface 16. In other words, the recesses 22 extend to the plane, in which the first axial abutment surface 16 is located. The result of this is that the relative position of the upper, ie the edges of the legs 18 and coil turns 8 facing the first 16 and second axial contact surfaces are always at the same level. As a result, a particularly accurate and exact operation can be achieved substantially independent of temperature-induced changes in length of the bobbin 7 and the legs 18 and so on.

Fig. 5 zeigt eine erste Ausführungsform des U-Kerns 9. Daraus ist erkennbar, dass die Schenkel 18 an voneinander entfernten Enden der Basis 17 gelegen sind und in gleiche Richtung von der Basis 17 vorspringen. Im vorliegenden Beispiel weisen die Schenkel 18 über deren gesamte Länge ein rechteckförmiges Querschnittsprofil, d. h. einen rechteckförmigen Axialschnitt auf. Der Axialschnitt ist im vorliegenden Beispiel bei genauerer Betrachtung in Form eines Quadrats mit abgerundeten Ecken, was im Sinne der Erfindung insbesondere als "rechteckförmig" verstanden werden soll. Fig. 5 shows a first embodiment of the U-core 9. It can be seen that the legs 18 are located at opposite ends of the base 17 and projecting in the same direction from the base 17. In the present example, the legs 18 over their entire length a rectangular cross-sectional profile, ie a rectangular axial section. The axial section is in the present example on closer inspection in the form of a square with rounded corners, which should be understood in the context of the invention in particular as "rectangular".

Der U-Kern 9, insbesondere die Schenkel 18, ist/sind im Beispiel der Fig. 5 aus Vollmaterial hergestellt, d. h. dass das Axialprofil bzw. Querschnittsprofil ein Vollprofil ist. Kerne dieser Art können insbesondere aus Vollmaterial hergestellt werden.The U-core 9, in particular the legs 18, is / are in the example of Fig. 5 made of solid material, ie that the axial profile or cross-sectional profile is a solid profile. Cores of this type can be made in particular of solid material.

Fig. 6 zeigt eine zweite Ausführungsform des U-Kerns 9. Im Unterschied zum U-Kern 9 der Fig. 5 ist das Axialprofil der Schenkel 18 der Fig. 6 ein offenes Hohlprofil. Bei dem Hohlprofil handelt es sich konkret um ein U-Profil. Das U-Profil wird gebildet durch eine sekundäre Basis 20 und zwei sekundäre Schenkel 21, die im unteren Bereich, d. h. im Bereich der Fußpunkte der Schenkel 21 seitlich an der Basis 17 anliegen. Die Öffnungen der U-Profile der beiden Schenkel 18 sind vorliegend einander zugewandt. Fig. 6 shows a second embodiment of the U-core 9. In contrast to the U-core 9 of Fig. 5 is the axial profile of the legs 18 of Fig. 6 an open hollow profile. The hollow profile is actually a U-profile. The U-profile is formed by a secondary base 20 and two Secondary leg 21, the rest in the lower region, ie in the region of the foot points of the legs 21 laterally against the base 17. The openings of the U-profiles of the two legs 18 are presently facing each other.

Ein solcher U-Kern 9 mit offenem Hohlprofil kann beispielsweise durch Materialumformung aus einer blechartigen, ebenen Vorform hergestellt werden. Die Vorform selbst kann beispielsweise durch Stanzen, Schneiden, insbesondere Laserschneiden und andere Verfahren hergestellt sein.Such a U-core 9 with an open hollow profile can be produced for example by material deformation of a sheet-like, planar preform. The preform itself can be made, for example, by stamping, cutting, in particular laser cutting and other methods.

Ein etwa in der Mitte der Basis 17 befindliches Loch ist zum Durchgriff der Kalibrierschraube 11 vorgesehen. Im Bereich des Lochs ist die Basis 17 des in Fig. 6 gezeigten U-Kerns 9 lateral verbreitert, wodurch erhöhte mechanische Stabilität erreicht werden kann. Die Verbreiterung ist derart ausgebildet, dass die Verbreiterungsstege lateral nicht über das Niveau der sekundären Schenkel 21 hinausragen.An approximately located in the middle of the base 17 hole is provided for the passage of the calibration 11. In the area of the hole is the base 17 of the in Fig. 6 shown U-core 9 laterally widened, whereby increased mechanical stability can be achieved. The broadening is designed in such a way that the broadening webs do not protrude laterally beyond the level of the secondary limbs 21.

Es hat sich gezeigt, dass insbesondere mit den oben beschriebenen U-Kernen 9 eine besonders gute Empfindlichkeit, Genauigkeit und Zuverlässigkeit erreicht werden kann.It has been found that especially with the above-described U-cores 9 a particularly good sensitivity, accuracy and reliability can be achieved.

Insbesondere im Hinblick auf Figuren 7 bis 10 wird nachfolgend genauer auf den Zusammenbau und Aufbau des Näherungssensors 1 bzw. der Sensoreinheit 5 eingegangen.Especially with regard to FIGS. 7 to 10 will be discussed in more detail below on the assembly and construction of the proximity sensor 1 and the sensor unit 5.

Fig. 7 zeigt beispielhaft zwei Spulenträger 7 des Näherungssensors 1 bzw. der Sensoreinheit 5. Die Spulenträger 7 weisen, wie bereits erwähnt, zur Form der Schenkel 18 korrespondierende, axial etwa mittig gelegene rechteckige Ausnehmungen 22 auf, in welche die Schenkel 18 des U-Kerns 9 eingeführt werden bzw. sind. Ferner weisen die Spulenträger 7 jeweils einen quer zur axialen Richtung 14 verlaufenden Einschnitt 23 auf, der, wie weiter unten noch näher ausgeführt wird, im Zusammenhang mit der Fixierung des U-Kerns 9 an den Spulenträgern 7 von Relevanz ist. Fig. 7 As already mentioned, the coil carriers 7 have, as already mentioned, corresponding to the shape of the legs 18, axially approximately centrally located rectangular recesses 22, in which the legs 18 of the U-core 9 introduced be or are. Furthermore, the coil carriers 7 each have a transverse to the axial direction 14 incision 23, which, as will be explained in more detail below, in connection with the fixation of the U-core 9 to the bobbins 7 of relevance.

Die axiale Tiefe der Ausnehmungen 22 und die Länge der Schenkel 18 bzw. die Länge der über die Basis 17 überstehenden Abschnitte der Schenkel 18, sind derart aneinander angepasst, dass die Schenkel-Stirnflächen 19 an den zweiten axialen Anlageflächen, welche koplanar mit den ersten axialen Anlageflächen 16 sind, anliegen.The axial depth of the recesses 22 and the length of the legs 18 and the length of over the base 17 protruding portions of the legs 18 are adapted to each other such that the leg end faces 19 at the second axial abutment surfaces which coplanar with the first axial Contact surfaces 16 are, rest.

Fig. 8 zeigt die Spulenträger 7 mit eingesetztem U-Kern 9. Wie in Fig. 8 zu sehen ist, weisen die Einschnitte 23 in axialer Richtung 14 eine Tiefe auf, welche größer ist als die Dicke der Basis 17. Die Basis 17 füllt also die Höhe der Einschnitt 23 nicht vollständig aus, so dass oberhalb der Basis 17 Raum für das Halteelement 10 verbleibt. Fig. 8 shows the bobbin 7 with inserted U-core 9. As in Fig. 8 can be seen, the cuts 23 in the axial direction 14 to a depth which is greater than the thickness of the base 17. The base 17 so does not fill the height of the incision 23 completely, so that above the base 17 space for the support member 10 remains.

Fig. 9 zeigt die Spulenträger 7 mit eingesetztem U-Kern 9 und Halteelement 10. Das Halteelement 10 ist in die Einschnitte 23 eingesetzt. Die Spulenträger 7 und das Halteelement 10 sind lösbar miteinander verbunden; im vorliegenden Fall mittels Rastelementen miteinander verrastet. Das Halteelement 10, die Einschnitte 23 und die Rastelemente sind derart ausgebildet und eingerichtet, dass bei verrastetem Halteelement 10 der U-Kern 9 und die Spulenträger 7 aneinander gedrückt bzw. gepresst werden. Auf diese Weise werden die Schenkel-Stirnflächen 19 auf die zweite axiale Anlagefläche gedrückt bzw. gepresst. Fig. 9 shows the bobbin 7 with inserted U-core 9 and holding element 10. The holding member 10 is inserted into the cuts 23. The bobbin 7 and the holding member 10 are detachably connected to each other; latched together in the present case by means of locking elements. The holding element 10, the notches 23 and the latching elements are designed and arranged such that when the holding element 10 is latched, the U-core 9 and the coil carriers 7 are pressed or pressed against each other. In this way, the leg end faces 19 are pressed or pressed onto the second axial abutment surface.

Die Verrastung zwischen Spulenträger 7 und Halteelement 10 ist in Fig. 10, welche den in Fig. 9 markierten Abschnitt vergrößert zeigt, im Detail dargestellt. Als Rastelemente weisen die Spulenträger 7 erste Rastnasen 24 und das Halteelement 10 weist korrespondierende zweite Rastnasen 25 auf, die bei eingesetztem Halteelement 10 miteinander verrasten.The latching between coil carrier 7 and holding element 10 is in Fig. 10 which the in Fig. 9 Enlarged section shows enlarged, shown in detail. As latching elements, the bobbin 7 have first latching lugs 24 and the holding element 10 has corresponding second latching lugs 25, which engage with one another when the holding element 10 is inserted.

Die Spülenträger 7, insbesondere die Einschnitte 23, das Halteelement 10 und die ersten 24 und zweiten Rastnasen 25 sind derart ausgebildet und angeordnet, dass der U-Kern 9 ohne Spiel zwischen Spulenträgern 7 und Halteelement 10 liegt, und dass die Schenkel-Stirnflächen 19 stets auf der zweiten axialen Anlagefläche zumindest aufliegen, bevorzugt auf die zweiten axialen Anlageflächen gedrückt werden. Dadurch bleibt die relative Lage der der ersten 16 und zweiten axialen Anlagefläche zugewandten Kanten der Spulenwicklungen 8 und U-Kerne 9 konstant, insbesondere bei temperaturschwankungsbedingten Längenänderungen der Komponenten des Näherungssensors 1 bzw. der Sensoreinheit 5. Dadurch kann die Genauigkeit und Zuverlässigkeit des Näherungssensors 1 maßgeblich verbessert werden.The flush carrier 7, in particular the cuts 23, the retaining element 10 and the first 24 and second locking lugs 25 are formed and arranged such that the U-core 9 is without play between coil carriers 7 and retaining element 10, and that the leg end faces 19 always at least rest on the second axial abutment surface, preferably be pressed onto the second axial abutment surfaces. As a result, the relative position of the edges of the coil windings 8 and U cores 9 facing the first 16 and second axial contact surfaces remains constant, in particular with changes in the length of the components of the proximity sensor 1 or the sensor unit 5 due to variations in temperature variation. The accuracy and reliability of the proximity sensor 1 can thereby be decisive be improved.

Der Spulenträger und das Halteelement 10 sind vorzugsweise aus einem Kunststoffmaterial, z. B. PEEK, hergestellt. Insbesondere diesem Fall kann durch die Schnappverbindung zwischen Spulenträgern 7 und Halteelement 10 eine elastische Kraft erzeugt werden, welche den U-Kern 9 in Richtung der zweiten axialen Anlagefläche drückt. Elastische Kräfte sind für die bereits angesprochenen Längenänderungen der Komponenten des Näherungssensors 1 bei Temperaturschwankungen von Vorteil, denn es kann trotz unterschiedlicher thermischer Ausdehnungskoeffizienten von Spulenträgern 7 und U-Kernen 9 stets erreicht werden, dass der U-Kern 9 in Richtung der zweiten axialen Anlagefläche gedrückt wird.The bobbin and the holding element 10 are preferably made of a plastic material, for. B. PEEK produced. In particular, in this case, an elastic force can be generated by the snap connection between the coil carriers 7 and holding element 10, which presses the U-core 9 in the direction of the second axial bearing surface. Elastic forces are for the already mentioned changes in length of the components of the proximity sensor 1 with temperature fluctuations of advantage, because it can always be achieved despite different thermal expansion coefficients of bobbins 7 and U-cores 9, that the U-core 9 is pressed in the direction of the second axial bearing surface becomes.

Damit die oberen Stirnflächen 13 der Sensoreinheit 5, genauer der Spulenträger 7, stets an der entsprechenden Gehäuseinnenwandung anliegen, wird, wie insbesondere aus Fig. 1 bis 4 ersichtlich ist, die Sensoreinheit 5 mittels der Feder 6, sprich mittels einer elastischen Kraft, in Richtung der Gehäuseinnenwandung gedrückt. Diese Kraft wirkt zusätzlich und unterstützend zu der durch das Halteelement 10 zwischen U-Kern 9 und Spulenträger 7 wirkenden Kraft auch dahingehend, dass die Schenkel-Stirnflächen 19 gegen die zweite axiale Anlagefläche gedrückt werden. Darüber hinaus wird durch diese Kraft die Sensoreinheit 5 im Gehäuse ausreichend fixiert. Insbesondere kann auch bei temperaturbedingten Längenänderungen von Sensoreinheit 5 und Gehäuse sichergestellt werden, dass die Sensoreinheit 5 an der Gehäuseinnenwandung und die Schenkel-Stirnflächen 19 an der zweiten axialen Anlagefläche in axialer Richtung 14 stets spalt- und spielfrei anliegen.So that the upper end faces 13 of the sensor unit 5, more precisely the coil carrier 7, always rest against the corresponding inner wall of the housing, as is especially clear Fig. 1 to 4 it can be seen, the sensor unit 5 by means of the spring 6, that is pressed by means of an elastic force in the direction of the Gehäuseinnenwandung. This force acts in addition to and supportive of the force acting through the retaining element 10 between the U-core 9 and coil support 7 to the effect that the Leg end faces 19 are pressed against the second axial abutment surface. In addition, the sensor unit 5 is sufficiently fixed in the housing by this force. In particular, it can be ensured even with temperature-induced changes in length of the sensor unit 5 and housing that the sensor unit 5 always rest against the housing inner wall and the leg end faces 19 on the second axial bearing surface in the axial direction 14 gap and clearance.

Insgesamt zeigt sich, dass mit dem Näherungssensor 1 im Speziellen, dem Sensor im Allgemeinen, insbesondere durch Aufbau und Geometrie des Sensors und dessen einzelner Komponenten, die der Erfindung zu Grunde liegende Aufgabe gelöst wird.Overall, it is found that with the proximity sensor 1 in particular, the sensor in general, in particular by construction and geometry of the sensor and its individual components, the object underlying the invention is achieved.

BezugszeichenlisteLIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

11
NäherungssensorProximity sensor
22
Gehäusedeckelhousing cover
33
bodenseitige Öffnungbottom opening
44
Gehäusebodencaseback
55
Sensoreinheitsensor unit
66
Federfeather
77
Spulenträgercoil carrier
88th
Spulenwicklungcoil winding
99
U-KernU-core
1010
Halteelementretaining element
1111
Kalibrierschraubecalibration screw
1212
Gehäusevorsprunghousing projection
1313
obere Stirnflächeupper face
1414
axiale Richtungaxial direction
1515
Axialflanschaxial flange
1616
erste axiale Anlageflächefirst axial contact surface
1717
BasisBase
1818
Schenkelleg
1919
Schenkel-StirnflächeThigh face
2020
sekundäre Basissecondary basis
2121
sekundärer Schenkelsecondary thigh
2222
Ausnehmungrecess
2323
Einschnittincision
2424
erste Rastnasefirst catch
2525
zweite Rastnasesecond catch

Claims (11)

Sensor (1) mit einer induktiven Sensoreinheit (5) umfassend zumindest einen Spulenträger (7) mit einer darauf befindlichen Spulenwicklung (8) zur Erzeugung eines Magnetfelds und zumindest einen Kern (9), wobei sich die Spulenwicklung (8) in axialer Richtung unmittelbar angrenzend an eine erste axiale Anlagefläche (16) des Spulenträgers (7) erstreckt, wobei der Kern (9) zumindest teilweise in einer Ausnehmung (22) im Spulenträger (7) konzentrisch und überlappend mit der Spulenwicklung (8) angeordnet ist und an einer zur ersten axialen Anlagefläche (16) koplanaren zweiten axialen Anlagefläche anliegt, wobei zumindest ein mit der Spulenwicklung (8) überlappender Kernabschnitt des zumindest einen Kerns (9) ein rechteckförmiges Querschnittsprofil aufweist.Sensor (1) with an inductive sensor unit (5) comprising at least one coil support (7) with a coil winding (8) thereon for generating a magnetic field and at least one core (9), wherein the coil winding (8) in the axial direction immediately adjacent extends to a first axial contact surface (16) of the bobbin (7), wherein the core (9) at least partially in a recess (22) in the bobbin (7) is arranged concentrically and overlapping with the coil winding (8) and at one to the first axial abutment surface (16) abuts coplanar second axial abutment surface, wherein at least one with the coil winding (8) overlapping core portion of the at least one core (9) has a rectangular cross-sectional profile. Sensor (1) nach Anspruch 1, wobei das Querschnittsprofil zumindest eines Kernabschnitts ein Vollprofil ist.Sensor (1) according to claim 1, wherein the cross-sectional profile of at least one core portion is a solid profile. Sensor (1) nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Querschnittsprofil zumindest eines Kernabschnitts ein geschlossenes oder ein offenes Hohlprofil ist.Sensor (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cross-sectional profile of at least one core portion is a closed or an open hollow profile. Sensor (1) nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Kern (9) durch eine Kraft, vorzugsweise eine elastische Kraft, bevorzugt eine Federkraft, in Richtung der zweiten axialen Anlagefläche gedrückt wird.Sensor (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the core (9) by a force, preferably an elastic force, preferably a spring force, is pressed in the direction of the second axial abutment surface. Sensor (1) nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Kern (9) als U-Kern (9) mit zwei Schenkeln (18) und einer die Schenkel (18) verbindenden Basis (17) ausgebildet ist, wobei jeder Schenkel (18) zumindest teilweise in einer Ausnehmung (22) eines jeweiligen Spulenträgers (7), vorzugsweise konzentrisch, überlappend mit der Spulenwicklung (8) angeordnet sind.Sensor (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the core (9) is formed as a U-core (9) with two legs (18) and a base (17) connecting the legs (18), each leg (18) at least partially in a recess (22) of a respective coil carrier (7), preferably concentrically, are arranged overlapping with the coil winding (8). Sensor (1) nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, wobei von der Basis (17) abgewandt gelegene Stirnseiten (19) der Schenkel (18), bevorzugt durch Beaufschlagung der Basis (17) mit einer Kraft, auf jeweilige zweite axiale Anlageflächen gedrückt werden.Sensor (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein from the base (17) facing away from end faces (19) of the legs (18), preferably by acting on the base (17) are pressed with a force on respective second axial abutment surfaces. Sensor (1) nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Kern (9), insbesondere der U-Kern (9), mittels eines mit dem zumindest einen Spulenträger (7) lösbar verbindbaren, insbesondere verrastbaren, Halteelements (10) gehaltert wird.Sensor (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the core (9), in particular the U-core (9), by means of one with the at least one coil carrier (7) detachably connectable, in particular latchable, holding element (10) is supported. Sensor (1) nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, wobei eine den Kern (9) bzw. die Schenkel (18) in jeweilige Ausnehmungen (22) und/oder die Sensoreinheit (5) in Richtung der Gehäuseinnenwandung eines Gehäuses (2, 4,) des Sensors (1) drückende Kraft durch das Halteelement (10) und/oder durch eine das Halteelement (10) beaufschlagende elastische Kraft, insbesondere eine Federkraft, insbesondere eine das Halteelement (10) gegen den zumindest einen Spulenträger (7) drückende Kraft, erzeugt wird.Sensor (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein one of the core (9) or the legs (18) in respective recesses (22) and / or the sensor unit (5) in the direction of the housing inner wall of a housing (2, 4,) the sensor (1) pressing force by the holding element (10) and / or by the holding member (10) acting on elastic force, in particular a spring force, in particular a holding element (10) against the at least one coil carrier (7) pressing force generated becomes. Sensor (1) nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, umfassend des Weiteren eine das Halteelement (10) mit einer Federkraft beaufschlagende Feder (6).Sensor (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a spring (6) which acts on the holding element (10) with a spring force. Sensor (1) nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, umfassend des Weiteren ein Gehäuse (2, 4), in welchem der zumindest eine Spulenträger (7) und Kern (9) aufgenommen sind, wobei vorzugsweise die Feder (6) am Halteelement (10) einerseits und am Gehäuse (2) andererseits abgestützt ist.Sensor (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a housing (2, 4) in which the at least one coil carrier (7) and core (9) are received, wherein preferably the spring (6) on the holding element (10) on the one hand and on the housing (2) on the other hand supported. Sensor (1) nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, wobei der zumindest eine Spulenträger (7) eine, der Ausnehmung (22) abgewandt gelegene axiale Stirnfläche (13) aufweist, welche, vorzugsweise durch die Feder (6), gegen eine Gehäuseinnenwandung des Gehäuses (2) gedrückt wird.Sensor (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one coil carrier (7) has a, the recess (22) facing away from axial end face (13) which, preferably by the spring (6) against a housing inner wall of the housing ( 2) is pressed.
EP12002434.4A 2011-04-19 2012-04-04 Inductive proximity or distance sensor Active EP2515440B1 (en)

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EP3336485B1 (en) 2016-12-15 2020-09-23 Safran Landing Systems UK Limited Aircraft assembly including deflection sensor
US11067641B2 (en) * 2019-07-22 2021-07-20 Fluke Corporation Measurement device and operating methods thereof for power disturbance indication

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DE102009037808A1 (en) 2009-08-18 2011-03-03 Diehl Aerospace Gmbh Inductive distance sensor

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DE102011018167A1 (en) 2012-10-25
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